Bulldog, also called English bulldog , breed of dog developed centuries ago in Great Britain for use in fighting bulls (bullbaiting). Characteristically powerful and courageous, often vicious, and to a great extent unaware of pain, the bulldog nearly disappeared when dogfighting was outlawed in 1835. Fanciers of the breed, however, saved it and bred out its ferocity. Nicknamed the “sourmug,” the bulldog is a stocky dog that moves with a rolling gait. It has a large head, folded ears, a short muzzle, a protruding lower jaw, and loose skin that forms wrinkles on the head and face. Its short, fine coat is tan, white, reddish brown, brindle, or piebald. The bulldog stands 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) and weighs 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). Typically gentle and reliable, it is placed in the Non-Sporting Dog group of the American Kennel Club. See alsoFrench bulldog.

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The bulldog (also called English bulldog) is a breed of nonsporting dog originally trained for fighting bulls (bullbaiting); today’s bulldog is quiet, gentle, and fond of napping, making it a wonderful companion. The breed has a stable, boxlike build with sturdy legs, a wide chest, and a rolling gait. The coat is short, smooth, and dense. The coat color may be solid white, several kinds of brindle, solid red, solid fawn, or piebald. The bulldog has a large head, a short muzzle, a protruding lower jaw, and loose skin that forms wrinkles on the head and face. Rose ears are preferred-that is, ears that are small and folded inward at the back lower edge while the upper front edge curls over, outward, and backward. The eyes are small, round, and dark. The tail is very short, hangs low, and may be either straight or screw-shaped. The adult bulldog stands 13-15 inches (33-38 centimeters) tall and weighs 40-50 pounds (18-23 kilograms). The breed’s bullbaiting ancestors originated in the 1600s in England, but the bulldog known today was perfected in the early 1800s. Nicknamed the "sourmug," the bulldog is a popular mascot for many sports teams.

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